Graham Proposes Plan To Save Miami Circle

DIGEST

The ancient Tequesta Indian circle at the mouth of the Miami River may become part of Biscayne National Park under a plan by U.S. Sen. Bob Graham of Florida.

He filed legislation late Thursday to study the feasibility of adding the rare archaeological discovery to the park.

Graham said the federal government has no emergency money to help the county, but annexing the circle into the national park would save it from bulldozers, he said.

``We have the responsibility to save and study reminders of our heritage,"' Graham said in a statement. ``It is increasingly apparent that Miami Circle is a site of rich historical and cultural significance, not a tract of land to be developed."

Last month, Miami-Dade County sued the owner of the 2.2 acre-site to stop him from building a pair of apartment buildings on the land. Developer Michael Baumann wants to move the circle elsewhere. According to tests, the 38-foot-wide circle was carved into the limestone bedrock by Tequestas about 2,000 years ago. It is believed to be a tribal chief's council house, a temple or a celestial calendar.

The county is negotiating with Baumann to buy his land. Miami-Dade has started a fund-raising drive while its lawsuit moves forward.